I can't see her wearing that either, LabelBasher. I think the Photoshopped cover is a bit of a gimmick but at least there is a point behind it, with the designers "dressing' her. I wonder if it's too much to hope Kate will actually eventually do an American magazine cover, like Diana did.

But they do get discounts. For example, the British royals receive a 60% discount off their Audi cars (article).

Catherine probably gets her designer clothes for a discounted price. I think Michelle Obama also gets discounts on designer clothes as well.

This article from the Daily Mail says Kate (or rather Charles) pays full retail for her clothes.

It seems strange to me that the Royal Family would accept discounts for their cars and not their clothes or vice versa. (And yes, I realize the DM is not a very reliable source, for either the clothes or car discounts.)

This article from the Daily Mail says Kate (or rather Charles) pays full retail for her clothes.

It seems strange to me that the Royal Family would accept discounts for their cars and not their clothes or vice versa. (And yes, I realize the DM is not a very reliable source, for either the clothes or car discounts.)

I think the reason they get discounts on their Audi's is because Charles is an close friend to the Audi CEO and also because the cars require special modifications such as making them bulletproof etc therefore making them more expensive than the retail price (don't quote me on this).

They have to pay full retail price for all their clothes but i'm not really sure why but wouldn't it be easier & cheaper if they (the female royals) just borrowed couture clothing from the designer and then give them back? it would save a hell of a lot of money. I think the black gown that Kate wore to the Military awards cost between £2-4k what's the point in spending that much money on a dress that is going to be worn once?.

I think the reason they get discounts on their Audi's is because Charles is an close friend to the Audi CEO and also because the cars require special modifications such as making them bulletproof etc therefore making them more expensive than the retail price (don't quote me on this).

They have to pay full retail price for all their clothes but i'm not really sure why but wouldn't it be easier & cheaper if they (the female royals) just borrowed couture clothing from the designer and then give them back? it would save a hell of a lot of money. I think the black gown that Kate wore to the Military awards cost between £2-4k what's the point in spending that much money on a dress that is going to be worn once?.

The reason why they buy, and don't borrow, is because the clothing is saved for historical background (even if they are just figureheads, many of the events they are attend are considered important) and archival purposes. Plus, much of the haute couture they buy is made is made specifically for state purposes: it takes into account place, culture, and event. Which renders it useless if returned to the designer, because it really was/is designed as a one-off. It's not just fashion-for-fashion's-sake haute couture. It is usually made to serve a diplomatic purpose, however subtle (be it embroidery, colouring, cut, all 3...) (Many royals are savvy and figure out how to reuse their haute couture pieces though.)

That said, I do think they could easily borrow and return pret-a-porter type clothing if it is only going to be wore once or twice.